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Krzyzewski named head coach of US basketball team
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-27 09:12
TORONTO, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Mike Krzyzewski was named head coach of the U.S.
men's basketball team through the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Wednesday.
 Krzyzewski, who led Duke University to three national collegiate
titles, becomes the first college coach to lead the national team since
professionals were allowed to compete in the Olympics in 1992.
"For me, this is the ultimate honour in coaching," Krzyzewski said in a
statement.
"It is a chance to represent the United States at this elite level of
basketball. I am honoured to be chosen and look forward to the opportunity to
develop this team that will represent our great country in its own sport, both
on and off the court."
Once the world's undisputed basketball superpower, U.S. "Dream Teams" stocked
with NBA talent ruled the international game with gold medal-winning
performances at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics.
That dominance has faded in recent years, the U.S. slumping to a sixth place
finish at the 2002 world championships in Indianapolis before unhappily settling
for bronze at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens.
Named the National Collegiate Coach of the Year 12 times, Krzyzewski has been
put in charge of returning the U.S. to the top of podium starting with next
year's world championships in Japan, followed by the 2007 FIBA Americas Olympic
qualifying tournament and ultimately the 2008 Olympic.
"Our senior men's programme will be tremendously served by Mike's
extraordinary capabilities and stature and his superb leadership both on and off
the court," USA Basketball president Val Ackerman said.
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